I plan to leave my mark on the baseball world; this is where it all begins.

My Perspective, A Broadcaster’s Perspective, and a Project’s Perspective

They say that all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, that tends to happen a bit too often to me over the summer. My stay in Boston has come to an end, but the one bright spot is that I finally get to share some of my baseball adventures with you.

I had quite a lot of adventures this time around in Boston, and the vast majority of them were related to baseball. I’ll give you a quick summary of what I did over the week, but I have two things that I want to focus on tonight.

I had the opportunity to meet Dan Hoard, the radio broadcaster for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple AAA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox in case you were wondering). He was kind enough to let me interview him.

At that same game, I spent the entire time talking to one of my projects, Michael Bowden. He is a huge prospect in the Red Sox organization. He pitched last year against the White Sox and he pitched this year against the Yankees: the game that Jacoby Ellsbury stole home. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear his perspective on baseball.

The next night, Steve Hyder, the radio broadcaster for the PawSox (he and Mr. Hoard are partners) let me interview him in the press box! He was a Rhode Island native, so of course he grew up a fan of the Red Sox. More on that tomorrow.

On Wednesday, I met one of our fellow MLBloggers, Julia. I can’t put a picture of her up though– this was all explained to me. We went to the famous Bleacher Bar at Fenway Park (don’t worry, it’s a restaurant), and I went through “Boston initiation” (more on that later).

For those of you who tuned in to the Yankees vs Red Sox game on Thursday night, you know that it was not only the most exciting game of the series, but of the year as well. It rained all night long, which made the temperature even colder. By the end of the night I could see my breath, and I was only in a light, black cardigan. I wasn’t going to move though.

Leaving my favorite city is never an easy task, but the situation was lightened thanks to Jerry Remy’s restaurant. There was a bit of a problem with the dining situation though, and I thought I could bring it to the attention of baseball fans everywhere.

My Perspective

In June 2008, Rem-Dawg’s Nation voted on their “All-Time Nine”: the nine best position players in Red Sox history. Some of them are fairly obvious, others get into some ‘dirty water’ (this has a negative connotation though), and one of them is just a disgrace.

I’ll begin with the recipient of the third base honor: Wade Boggs. Just looking at numbers, Boggs deserves to be on this wall. Yet his baseball career had a little bit of scandal, and he pulled what I like to call a ‘Johnny Damon’ (even though Johnny Damon was just a kid when Boggs was playing). I think that Mike Lowell is a definite runner up for this category considering that he embodies what baseball is all about and the fact that he has the best fielding percentage of third basemen in history. Not to mention he was the MVP of the ’07 World Series. Anyway, my argument for Boggs would be that he really is the best of all time even if he did pull a Johnny Damon. Johnny Damon wouldn’t even come close in the voting not because of the amount of hearts he broke in New England, but because he isn’t even comparable with Fred Lynn.

The other man that stumbled into a bit of dirty water when I was looking at the recipients was Nomar Garciaparra. Sure Nomar was a “plague” in the clubhouse and his departure has seemingly cursed the subsequent shortstops, but his numbers from 1997-2000 are unbelievable. Nobody gets the MVP and the Rookie of the Year award in one season. The only other Red Sox shortstop that is even comparable is Johnny Pesky.

The disgrace is Manny Ramirez. His name has become synonymous with “disgrace” and “bum” ever since his rude departure almost a year ago. I don’t need to go into detail with him. We all know the disrespectful words he has issued towards the Red Sox organization, and the reasons behind his temporary ban. Granted, there is no denying the fact that he is probably the most impressive hitter since Ted Williams, but I would be willing to bet that many Red Sox fans have changed their mind about who they want representing their “All-Time 9″ players.

The other two fielders were, quite sensibly, Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. The only problem I have with this is that they are both left fielders. If we are to represent our “All-Time 9″ properly, than shouldn’t we represent each position? I know that in the All-Star voting that it is just classified as “outfielders”, but I still think that we should represent our best center fielder of all-time: Fred Lynn, and our best right fielder of all-time: Dwight Evans. What do you think?

Broadcaster’s Perspective

Dan Hoard grew up as a fan of the New York Mets, which was appropriate because he grew up in New York. He is currently the radio broadcaster for the Pawtucket Red Sox, but his professional goal is to broadcast Major League Baseball. He has experience doing that, as he has also worked with the Reds, and he has called games for the Mets,
and Blue Jays. I wasn’t able to write down everything that he said, but I do have a fairly good memory.

1. When did you realize that sports broadcasting was something you were interested in pursuing? What/who was your motivation?

Mr. Hoard said that he knew since the very beginning that he wanted to be a sports broadcaster. His favorite broadcaster wasn’t even who many consider to be baseball’s greatest voice, Vin Scully, he enjoyed listening to a Buffalo, NY sports broadcaster.

2. How does broadcasting in the minors differ from broadcasting in the majors?

Hoard responded, “Everything is bigger in the majors”, which may seemed obvious at first, but with that there are a few other things that we may not notice. The fact that there is not a huge spotlight on minor league baseball contributes to what he followed up with, “It’s easier to get to know the players”. I can actually notice this myself in Spring Training because it’s the minor league players who may come over for a chat, not the big name major league players.

3. You grew up in New York, and you’ve worked with a few different teams. Do you have a preference for any teams?

He said that growing up in New York, he was a Mets fan: “as obsessed with the Mets as [I] seem to be with the Red Sox”. He thought that he could never change his favorite team. But when he worked for the Reds he started rooting for them, and now that he’s with the Red Sox organization, he half roots for the Reds, half for the Red Sox and doesn’t even keep up with the Mets anymore. It is hard for me to imagine changing my favorite team considering my current level of admiration for them.

4. Which players do you think are going to be a significant part of the Red Sox in the future, and in what ways?

Hoard said that he can see Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden contributing to the starting pitching staff, and he said that guys like Jeff Bailey or Chris Carter could also have a significant impact.

5. You are also a football broadcaster (and basketball) which do you prefer broadcasting, and why?

He responded with baseball, and I loved his reasoning behind it. He talked about how in basketball and football, broadcasters follow the ball for their commentary. In baseball, it’s an entirely different scene. Once a play resulting in an out is made, it could be several minutes before the next one is made. So what do you do during that time, during the many times in which there is a pause in action? You fill it up with the history of the game, statistics, etc.

6. As a fan of the Reds, what do you think about Pete Rose and his inability to get into the Hall of Fame, and what are your opinions on the players of the steroids era getting into the Hall of Fame?

I really liked what Mr. Hoard had to say about this issue, and it was great hearing this opinion from a broadcaster. He basically supports the asterisk method for both situations. While I am really adamant about players who have used steroids not being allowed into the Hall, their numbers are worthy of getting in to the Hall of Fame. Every era has it’s mark, and every era needs to be remembered.

7. What advice could you give to an aspiring sportswriter/broadcaster?

“Do everything you can to get in” was his main response. Whether it be sweeping the floors at the local radio station, or working for free somewhere else, it gets your name out. He told me to join my school newspaper and write about the school baseball team (they all hate the Red Sox, by the way).

Mr. Hoard was also kind enough to give us seats– right behind home plate! I even talked to some scouts before the game. Not only was I able to have a different perspective for myself on the game, I was able to hear someone else’s perspective on the game.

Project’s Perspective

For those of you who don’t know him, Michael Bowden is the highest ranked pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization, and a project of mine. Most of you who read this blog know about my projects and how special they are to me. So you must be able to imagine what it was like to spend an entire baseball game talking to one of my projects. The night after you pitch in Pawtucket, you have to do the radar gun and score the game the next day.

Bowden, or “Bowdie-Miller” as Jacoby Ellsbury calls him is a Chicago native who always knew that he wanted to be a baseball player. In fact, he wrote about it when he was in third grade. His family was always supportive of him, and he had a pretty cool draft party. He threw a perfect game in high school, and struck out 19 of 21 in the process. I didn’t do a formal interview with him, so it was more of a mutually engaging conversation.

I learned so much about pitching from him, it made me see a lot of things differently. For example, I never realized how important that guy on first base can be to a pitcher. It’s almost “half the game” for Bowden. If that guy gets to second, it eliminates the opportunity of the double play, and it puts the runner into scoring position. I never would have imagined that could be so important.

He also told me that Angel Chavez has the “best glove that [he has] ever seen”. That’s a pretty strong statement, especially coming from a guy that has been around baseball his whole life. He said that he feels really comfortable when he has Chavez at third and Gil Velazquez at shortstop. A strong defense always helps a pitcher relax.

I had always wanted to know if the catcher makes a difference, and according to Michael, it does. It’s a matter of comfort for them. He loves throwing to Jason Varitek because not only is he a great def
ender, he is so knowledgeable and intelligent. All of us in Red Sox Nation should breathe a sigh of relief that Jason Varitek was re-signed not only because of his abilities, but because of what could have been lost. Had he not signed, Theo Epstein would have been in the market for a catcher. Who would we have traded? Probably our biggest prospects: Bowden and Buchholz. That could have been a big mistake.

As I was telling him about my dreams to become a sportswriter/broadcaster, I also happened to mention that I can’t tell the difference between a breaking ball, a changeup, and a slider for the life of me. He suggested that I learn the difference if I want to go into broadcasting.

I asked him if I tried to emulate the style of any pitchers, and he said ‘no’ right away. He has his own style, and quite the arsenal of pitches as well. He said that sometimes younger pitchers try to copy a style, but that goes away quickly. He doesn’t have a Papelbon stare either, and he doesn’t even have a song to enter to yet.

He doesn’t know this yet, but I am resolved to find a song for him. He told me that he wants to learn how to play the piano, so if he ever does, I think his song should be Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man’.

Bowden also told me that his record, as well as his teammates, is not always indicative of how he is actually pitching. Offensively, the PawSox have struggled a lot this season, so Bowden has been getting a slim amount of run support. Some of his losses should have been wins (he can tell you the exact game too) and he’s had a few no decisions too.

I could tell just by talking to Bowden how much he loves the game and how much he loves playing in the Red Sox organization. When I asked him if it was his dream to pitch in October baseball, he looked at me like I was crazy. He loves playing with a team that will give him this opportunity. He cannot wait to come back to Fenway, and I hope that it is sooner rather than later, and I hope that he plays in the “Futures at Fenway” game.

At the end of the night, we both wished each other luck. I’d like to think that we both have a future in the Red Sox organization. I know for a fact he does.

wow Elizabeth, you’re a very driven kid! i think you’ve already started your sports journalism career! perhaps you could show your blog to any college recruiter or job recruiter to show your chops in sports, the Red Sox, and journalism.. it’s way way cool to see a young person with such a positive outlook, mature composure, and solid writing skills..

my only advice would be to keep up with all the other players and teams in the mlb besides the Red Sox in case you become a general baseball writer/broadcaster (unless you end up working for NESN in which case it would be all Red Sox i guess)keep rockin’ Elizabeth! :)

Very nice interview Elizabeth! I’m sure your other ones are good as the one you shared with us. That is a great picture of you Michael Bowden :) I’m glad you had fun with Julia in Boston. You have a bright and successful future ahead of you and it’s going to come true very soon.http://hyunyoung.mlblogs.com

What amazing interviews!! Destined for sports reporting greatness. It’s so cool that you managed to snag all those interviews!! One day when you become a successful sports writer, I’ll be able to say, “yeah, I knew her back in the day…”
Emilyhttp://deconstructingthoughts.mlblogs.com/

Wow, Elizabeth — I am so impressed with your interviews, esp talking with Michael Bowden. I also have a hard time telling the difference between pitches, and I think his advice was really good for you and for me. Thanks for sharing!

You are well on your way to a great college (hopefully in Boston) and a great career in sports journalism. Don’t forget about us little people. ha ha!

You did a fine job here, Elizabeth. I think your blend of knowledge and passion for the game should take you very far. I wish I’d have showed the same kind of enthusiasm (for anything to be honest) as you do about baseball when I was your age, so keep it up!

That is soooo cool!!! Amazing that you got to talk with a player like that. Pretty amazing. Plus, the other interview was great!! I am soo happy for you. Sounds like an amazing trip!!http://kaybee.mlblogs.com

Jack Wilson is going to do nothing but help the Red Sox if they do acquire him. The guy is one of the most underrated players in the majors. The league has gravitated to realizing how important good defense really is, and Jack is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game. His hitting is mediocre at best, but he’s shown this year that he can come up big in clutch situations. I’d hate to see the Pirates lose him, mainly due to the fact that we have NOBODY to replace him. However, if the Red Sox can give us something decent in return for him, I’d be happy to help your world series chances… again. How’s J-Bay doing these days? What, he’s in the MVP race? Dang, I guess the Pirates are worth something… what a joke :)

Elizabeth,
I am so glad you stopped by my blog so that I could get a chance to read your blog here. Wonderful reporting! You did a great job! You have a bright futre ahead of you! Keep working hard at it!
.
Emmahttp://crzblue.mlblogs.com/

Wow, kudos to you, Elizabeth! What a great read! Excellent reporting. I feel like I genuinely learned something. You are way ahead of the curve already. So proud of you!
–Jeffhttp://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/

This is all so great, Elizabeth. I love your ambition and your fearlessness and your ability to just go out and live your dream. Sounds like you learned a lot and gained some valuable experience AND had a terrific time!

It’s so cool that you got to meet Hoard and Bowden, and you did a really good job interviewing them, too. Are you sure you’re only 15? You’re so mature and professional, you seem like you’ve been doing this for years! You will probably go far as a sports journalist.-Erinhttp://plunking-gomez.mlblogs.com

Great Interviews !!! … It looks like you had a lot of fun on your New England trip !!!
.
Interesting list of “All Time Nine” Red Sox players at Jerry Remy’s Restaurant … I would have to say, both Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski have to be on the list, even though both played leftfield — just like both Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle have to be on the Yankees “All Time Nine” list, even though both played centerfield !!! … Both lists would not be complete if all four players were not on the lists !!!
.
Anyway, “Excellent”, “Excellent”, “Excellent” work on your above post !!! … You are off to a great start on your goal of becoming a sportswriter, broadcaster, and “The Future Blog of the Red Sox” !!! … Just keep on doing what you are doing, and it will only be a matter of time before you achieve all your goals !!!
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Take care, Elizabeth !!!
Good Luck and Best Wishes …
— Jimmy 27NYY Curran, “BY&L”
— http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

well i’ll start by saying i am so extremely jeolous of you. you got the chance to sit in the press box talk to various broadcasters and red sox affiliates. my dream job is to be a broadcaster or work behind the scenes of tv or radio and the red sox are by far my favorite team and you got to combine both of them lol. But that is awesome all the stuff you got to do and the people you met :)

That is the way to set your journalism chops, interview some of the best.
Awesome interview and great blog posting.
And about Wade Boggs, he was loaned to you by the Tampa Bay area ( lol).
Boggs had a weak spot in his career for things in 16 oz cans and women who lauded him with compliments. Every man has these problems sometimes, but Boggs let his almost ruin his career and marriage.
But all turned out well, and he is now a proud member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Keep up the great interviews.
You have a great knack for it.

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